Julia Donaldson has written some of the world's best-loved children's books, including modern classics The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, which together have sold over 25 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over one hundred languages. Her other books include Room on the Broom, Stick Man and Zog, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Hospital Dog, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie and the hugely successful What the Ladybird Heard adventures, illustrated by Lydia Monks. Julia also writes fiction, including the Princess Mirror-Belle series, illustrated by Lydia Monks, as well as poems, plays and songs – and her brilliant live shows are always in demand. She was the UK Children’s Laureate 2011–13 and has been honoured with a CBE for Services to Literature. Julia and her husband Malcolm divide their time between West Sussex and Edinburgh.Nila Aye was born in Rangoon, Myanmar. She arrived in the UK at the age of three and spent most of her childhood dreaming and drawing pictures. Nila studied graphic design at Central St Martins in London She graduated in 1995 and has been illustrating ever since. An award-winning artist, Nila is influenced by mid-century design and children’s books from this era, and describes her work as “retro modern with a cute twist, and a touch of humour”. Her love of visual storytelling and collaboration with authors energises Nila in her mission to bring beautifully illustrated books to a new generation of young readers around the world.

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